Philippe Clement hits Rangers title curveball with grinning 'good try' response as Celtic race dodged

Philippe Clement refused to be drawn in to a question about Rangers being in the title race just yet, but one reporter's efforts earned a "good try" response.

The Belgian is taking the diplomatic approach to the Light Blues challenge of wrestling back the Scottish Premiership title from the clutches of rivals Celtic. The Hoops retain a five point advantage over their rivals, but Clement's men were able to cut the gap after heroics against Hearts in the dying embers on Sunday. The pair will meet in a blockbuster clash next month at Celtic Park, with Rangers set to travel to Dundee on Wednesday, and with a Viaplay Cup semi-final against the Jambos presenting as more pressing matters.

Clement spoke of Sunday's 2-1 win being a morale booster, and one performance to use as a reference point, but had a grinning response when asked if the confidence upturn meant the title charge is alive. The 49-year-old reckons it was a good attempt to draw him in on questions of trophies at the end of the season, but that the focus at Ibrox is squarely on a game-by-game basis.

He said when asked about Sunday's victory giving confidence the league title is still alive: "I never talked about that. But that's a good question to go around to get me to a certain answer. It's a good try. That's not the first time that's happened.

"We're focused on ourselves. Game by game, I don't want anyone in this building thinking what can be at the end of the road. I want everyone's focus on the road to stay on the road and to make this road stronger and stronger that we can compete in every competition. That's the only focus this club and this team needs at the moment."